Again, hand crank/solar preferred. Batteries have a shelf life and you will need to rotate them out. Also, do not keep batteries in any of these tools when they are in storage.

First aid kit

They do not list contents of this kit, but any necessary medications need to be included.

(Removed) Whistle to signal for help

Not needed. This makes more sense in a go bag than a disaster kit. I may consider keeping on this list in an urban area or in a earthquake prone area.

(Removed) Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Highly agree with duct tape. Keep in the packaging if you can. Dust mask and plastic sheeting are not needed. Bugout is almost always the preferred method of avoiding contamination unless movement is not possible. The dust mask can give a false sense of security in oxygen depleted environments, such as smoke or HAZMAT spills.

Highly agree. Garbage bags and towelettes could be game changers. Plastic ties are not needed- use duct tape.

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Agree, although an all-in-one tool is preferred. A good leatherman comes with a knife.

Manual can opener for food

Agree, although an all-in-one tool could do this as well. It is nice to have a crank-type can opener, however.

Local maps

Specifically road atlases and/or local geographical maps.

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Not really kept in a kit. You can use your daily cell phone- just be sure to conserve power and know that texting is the preferred method of communication during a disaster. It does not require a cell tower ‘handshake’

(Added) A good pair of mechanic’s gloves

I hope you are not planning on sitting on your butt after a disaster.

(Added) Space (mylar) blanket for each person

Much more practical and versatile than the plastic sheeting listed above.

There are many schools of thought on this one. The fact is, disasters bring out the worst in some. Do not be a victim by either showing force or using force to stay safe. Anything will do, but obviously a firearm is the catch all for the worst situations.

These are my thoughts. What would you add to the basic disaster supplies kit?

Related

Rusty

I am an engineer by day, but a prepper 24/7. I am an Air Force veteran that developed emergency and disaster plans as an emergency manager and responded to many attacks and accidents as a HAZMAT technician. I have been exposed to deadly chemical agents, responded to biological incidents, and dealt with natural disasters worldwide. Check out my full story here: Rusty's Story

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